602 Boko Haram Members Formally Join The Nigerian Army, Set To Fight Boko Haram

According to reports, the military commanders have now formally recruited the 602 repentant Boko Haram fighters into the army, two days after they allegedly took an oath of allegiance the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Maiduguri.

Under a programme known as Operation Safe Corridor, Boko Haram fighters are being granted an amnesty if they lay down their arms. 

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As part of the programme, hundreds of them are being integrated into the military, where it is believed that their knowledge of the terrain will, according to them, “assist the Nigerian Army in defeating Boko Haram”. 

On Thursday, July 16, the alleged repentant boko haram fighters reportedly took the oath of allegiance after undergoing a de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programme at the at Mallam Sidi Camp in Borno State.

They were given the oath before an 11-member quasi-judicial panel, after which they became fully integrated into the Nigerian military. 

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters spokesman, Major General John Enenche, said the idea is that if they commit any offence, they stand to forfeit all privileges and will be liable for offence against the state.

“It is heart-warming to state that Operation Safe Corridor has successfully coordinated the DRR programme for 882 ex Boko Haram members including the 280 earlier graduated. Thus, the message here is clear to others out there to surrender and be profiled accordingly for the DRR privilege,” he said. 

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This is the second such batch of former militants pardoned under the Operation Safe Corridor programme.